USCIS announced this week that it has approved 10,000 petitions for the U Visa in Fiscal Year 2010, marking the first time that the federal agency has reached the statutory maximum for that visa category. The U Visa was created in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection act, which was legislation aimed at strengthening law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other crimes, while providing protection to the victims of those crimes.

“Through the U visa, USCIS is able to provide crime victims with critical immigration protection, allowing law enforcement officials to protect victims and bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice,” said Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, USCIS. “Through our partnership with both law enforcement and service providers, and through the dedicated work of our staff, we were able to reach – and provide this vital benefit to – thousands of deserving individuals.”

USCIS will again issue U Visas on October 1, 2010, the first day of the next fiscal year. Until that time, USCIS will accept petitions for the U visa; conditionally approved petitioners will be placed on a waiting list.